NDFB-P blockade chokes highways

Kokrajhar, Feb. 15: The 24-hour economic blockade imposed by the pro-talks National Democratic Front of Boroland (Progressive) from 5 this morning choked crucial highways which connect the Northeast with the rest of the country.

Hundreds of trucks were stranded on National Highway 31, 31C, 37 and 52 while supporters of the blockade staged demonstrations in Kokrajhar, Chirang, Dhubri, Baksa and Udalguri.

At Rowta, bandh supporters damaged an ASTC bus and a Maruti van.

The NDFB (P), which has been in ceasefire with the Centre, imposed the blockade demanding an early solution to the Bodoland problem.

“Six years have passed since the ceasefire agreement was signed between the NDFB and the government of India but no progress has taken place because of the negative attitude on the part of the government. The political dialogue with the NDFB (P) is stagnant because of the lackadaisical attitude of the Indian government towards finding a solution. The way the government should have proceeded with the peace negotiation, was not done,” said NDFB assistant publicity secretary R. Dauka.

The outfit also expressed unhappiness over the way Ulfa is being treated.

“Though they (Ulfa) came here (overground) much later, they are being given much importance. Treat us like Ulfa by giving us equal importance. We want the government of India to take forward the peace process and solve the Bodo problem through political dialogue. We would be forced to take more steps if the government of India continues this attitude towards solving the problem,” the NDFB leader said.

The blockade comes in the wake of talks between the Centre and Ulfa leaders in Delhi.

The All Bodo Students Union (Absu) has also demanded “Ulfa-like treatment” with other militant outfits like the NDFB, the UPDS and the DHD(J) saying that such discrimination could have adverse impact on the militant groups which have come forward for peace negotiation.

“The government should treat all organisations equally and sit for peace talks without any discrimination. If the government is giving importance to Ulfa, the same treatment should be given to other tribal groups,” Absu president Promode Boro said.

The DHD (Jewel), on the other hand, postponed its indefinite blockade on the metre gauge section in Dima Hasao district and highways to both Guwahati and Cachar to February 21.

The vice-chairman of the outfit, Phaiprang Dimasa, today said they have postponed the blockade to give both the Centre and Assam government more time to consider the release of the DHD (J) chief, Jewel Gorlosa, and its deputy commander, Niranjan Hojai, from jail.